Frozen Iguanas Car Accident In Florida

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A bizarre and chaotic car accident in Florida has gone viral after a man’s attempt to collect frozen iguanas for a feast turned into a scene straight out of a reptilian horror movie.

On a chilly morning in Florida, temperatures dipped below 4°C (39°F) — a rare cold snap for the Sunshine State. As a result, several iguanas were seen lying motionless on the roads and sidewalks, appearing dead. But the reptiles weren’t gone — just temporarily immobilized.

Iguanas, being ectothermic (cold-blooded), rely on external temperatures to regulate their body heat. When it gets too cold, their bodies shut down into a hibernation-like state, often causing them to fall from trees or collapse on the ground. Although they look dead, these lizards usually “wake up” once they warm up again.

One Florida man, familiar with how frozen iguanas are considered a delicacy in some countries, saw an opportunity. He began collecting the seemingly lifeless reptiles from the roadside and loaded them into the back seat of his car, allegedly planning to cook up a feast.

However, once inside the warm confines of the vehicle, the lizards began to thaw rapidly. One by one, the iguanas “came back to life” — and they were not happy.

Witnesses say the driver lost control of his vehicle after the thawed iguanas began scrambling over his seats, dashboard, and body, causing a frenzied panic. In the chaos, the car veered off the road and crashed into a tree. Fortunately, the man sustained minor injuries, and no one else was harmed.

“I guess they were just in deep sleep,” a Florida wildlife officer said. “Once they got warm, they woke up confused and scared — just like anyone would if they woke up in a moving vehicle surrounded by strangers.”

The iguanas were reportedly unharmed and fled the scene once emergency services opened the car doors.

Why Do Iguanas “Freeze” in Cold Weather?

  • Ectothermic Physiology: Iguanas can’t generate their own body heat.

  • Temperature Drop: When it falls below 4°C, their metabolism slows drastically.

  • Immobilization: They become stiff, unresponsive, and often fall from trees.

  • Reawakening: Once warmed up, they resume activity as if nothing happened.

FAQs

Q: Are frozen iguanas dead?
A: No, they’re in a cold-induced hibernation-like state and often recover when warmed.

Q: Is it legal to eat iguanas in Florida?
A: In Florida, green iguanas are considered an invasive species, and while it’s not illegal to hunt or consume them, it must be done humanely and following wildlife laws.

Q: What happened to the driver?
A: He suffered only minor injuries but reportedly lost his appetite for iguana.

Q: What should you do if you see a frozen iguana?
A: Wildlife officials recommend not touching them, as they can regain movement and pose a risk if startled.

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